It’s the great dilemma of modern punditry. The best way to get attention is to make a bold prediction: that Israel will attack Iran’s nuclear program, for instance, or that Mitt Romney (or Barack Obama) will win the U.S. presidential election. But get it wrong too many times, and there goes your credibility. So just do what the professionals do: Flip a coin and split the difference. With a 50 percent chance of getting it right, you’ll look like a genius if it comes to pass. If not … well, no one’s right all the time.

Max BootSenior fellow, Council on Foreign Relations

Predicted in June 2010 that a “reasonable commitment of time and resources” would give a counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan “certainly better than 50%” probability of success.

Jeffrey GoldbergNational correspondent, the Atlantic Reported in September 2010 that key Israeli decision-makers and Arab and U.S. officials believedthere was “a better than 50 percent chance” of an Israeli strike against Iran’s nuclear program by July 2011.

Bill ClintonFormer U.S. presidentTold his annual Clinton Global Initiative meeting in September 2010 that “the chances are at least 50-50, perhaps better, that there will be an agreement” on Middle East peace in the near future.

Paul Krugman New York Times economics columnist In January 2011, predicted a 50 percent chance of Greece exiting the eurozone, and in July 2012 gave 50-50 odds as to whether the Germans would let the euro system collapse.

Nouriel RoubiniChairman, Roubini Global Economics In December 2011, said there was a 50 percent chance of a new U.S. recession. A month later, gave a “perfect storm” scenario of a U.S. double-dip, a Chinese economic collapse, and a fracturing of the eurozone a “close to 50 percent” chance.

Alexei KudrinFormer Russian finance minister At a May 2012 press conference, said there was a 50 percent chance of Russia slipping into a recession that could invite further protests against Vladimir Putin.

John PaulsonBillionaire hedge-fund manager In July 2012, said there was a 50 percent chance of the eurozone breaking up as soon as this October.